CANADA HOUSE,
TRAFALGAR SQUARE
LONDON, S.W.1

December 27, 1939

VISITORS' WRITING ROOM

Dear Dad:

Hope everyone had a happy Christmas. I have been meeting or have met practically all the officers of the 1st Canadian Division.

I don't know if you are acquainted with any, but there is a Major Taylor of Gleichen with Lieut. Coo, also of Gleichen.

From Calgary there is Captain Haszard and Lieut. Throne. The last two gave up very good jobs.

Major Taylor and, I believe, Haszard or Throne worked in Trail for Consolidated Mining & Smelting.

Four of us, Captain Haszard, Lieut. Thorne, P.O Sturdee and self went out to dinner twice over Christmas. First, on the 24th, at Mrs. Handcock and on Christmas day to Mrs. J. D. Hay. Both places were terrific, butlers bowing and scraping, etc.

The cigars were good, too. At one time there must have been $7.50 worth of cigar smoke being produced.

The Canadians are all very fine chaps and get on well.

British Columbia House, under the able management of Mr. McAdam (sp. doubtful) helps tremendously in entertaining the troops. Anyway, B.C. ought to be proud of his work here. His hospitality has been nothing less than terrific.

We met three Canadians who meant to Westminster Abbey on Christmas day. After the service, the Dean of Westminster met them personally (how else?) After showing them everything he signed cards for them. They were quite excited about it all and should be. To some people here he is more important than the King.

The fog has been very bad indeed, but yesterday Haszard, Thorne and myself walked about London seeing the parks, Big Ben, Admiralty, Trafalgar Square, etc. It's a wonderful city and, with the balloon barrage, has everything of interest.

Love

Bill