1915 Letter 48
Lemnos
Dec. 28th, [1915]
Dear Mother,
Have just had a note from Mrs. Sutherland saying Eric had been there and that Mrs. Bob Fleming of Ottawa had captured him and taken him to her convalescent Home at Luton House near Canterbury -
I have just been telling Myra who knows Mrs. Fleming and she says Eric is a very lucky boy - as it will do him a world of good being in a bright cheerful place like that. They have pots of money and treat the men as guests. She has several girls from Ottawa staying with her who do the little bit of nursing there is. Mrs. Fleming's son is a private so she takes more interest in the privates than usual - Myra says it is an ideal place-
Thank the Lord, Mother, he got into a place like that because he wouldn't be very sick and a good cheering up would be all he'd need. I wonder how he met Mrs. Fleming - at Downe probably, don't you think? She said Eric had sent her magnificent roses for Christmas - so that's all right too.
About two weeks ago the Commander of the C- brought a Commander Marryat over to tea with him. There were a great many people there that day and I didn't meet him, but I think he is probably the same family -
We had our own Christmas dinner Sunday night and it was a huge success. The decorations were absolutely perfect - all red and white - and an utter surprise. Upton ordered everything weeks ago and said nothing about it.
Then yesterday - Monday - we had our reception - We had tea in the mess tent which was still decorated and two of the girls poured at a long table. We had sandwiches, shortbread, sweet biscuits and fruit cake - We had 160 people and our supply of cups is limited to 40 - so you can imagine the planning it took -
Every one came and our O.C. was there to look after the Colonels and Commanders etc. - Our Matron went to Cairo about three weeks ago and by the grace of God was delayed till after Christmas. It made every thing much freer - Mae received and did us proud. The girls all looked wonderful and Pte. Appleby - our postman - sang. He has such a sweet voice and every one enjoyed it. He chose "One sweetly solemn thought" and while it seemed rather a strange choice, I was surprised to see how the men appreciated it. It's only on very rare occasions one ever sees below the surface with the people one meets on active service. With the English especially its bad form to show one's feelings and we're all learning a lot from them - But after the song was over every one was almost hysterical - strange how it catches you unexpectedly -
I must stop now - We are having marvelous weather, as warm as June - I am sitting on the ward by an open window - looking at the scenery. We hear daily rumours about moving but keep on with the same address c/o Army Post Office London - and it will always reach us -
Cabled you for Christmas - "Well and happy" was all I could send but I knew you'd understand the Love and good wishes were included.
It has been a very happy Christmas - indeed. Love to Papa -
Yours always,
Helen