1915 Letter 31
July 31, [1915]
Dearest Mother,
I Said a fond farewell to the English coast yesterday afternoon thinking we'd be leaving for Abbeville the next morning.
Now we are back here again, and leave to-morrow morning for the East - where we do not know exactly.
I've written Papa the facts and I'll not repeat.
Jove - but it's rather sudden isn't it? They only gave the unit a few hours' notice to return to England - and we are all torn up the roots and consequently bewildered.
I laid in a good stock of the main necessities in London - and had only stocking, underwear etc. to buy for the voyage.
I can't possibly get out of going, so I may as well go with as good grace as possible. Oh Mother, I am so thankful for that day in Bailleul with Eric and Geordie. It was a bit of heaven and more dear than ever now that I have to go without seeing them again.
This is war - and we must take what comes. None of the girls are very keen to go, as they nearly all have people at the front - but they are making the best of it.
Well, Mother dear, I must stop. I am feeling fine and am so glad I have had my leave. Will write again tomorrow
Yours always,
Helen
Our address will be
#1 Can. Stat. Hosp.
British Expeditionary Force
So far as I know - that will reach me sooner or later.
Am enclosing a letter from Harrods about Eric's photos in case you want any more and the address of mine is "Gainsborough Studio- 309 Oxford St. West - the price was £1.11.6 for either one or two dozen - I forget which but I think it was one dozen.
I've just written Mamie Rogers to say the socks never came and to Mrs. Birdsall as Regent of Norwood I.O.D.E. to say that the boxes had reached Boulogne and that I'd write Squire. One of the girls was down looking for stuff and noticed them.
There's no use in sending anything until we are settled. Eric is all right - for he sends to the "Stores" for what he wants, and Mrs. Sutherland looks after them both well. He said a pair of socks a week and a cotton shirt were always acceptable. I left him my camera and some films and I hope he sends some snaps of himself. I must stop -
Yours always,
Helen