1915 Letter 5
March 4, [1915]
My own dear Mother,
I have just heard that there has been no Canadian mail sent across for two weeks. Heavens – I hope our letters went via New York and that you have been getting some word.
I spent the afternoon at the Army and Navy Stores getting Eric a few things. They certainly know just how to look after anything connected with the troops. They sent the parcel free of charge. I got him a Dundee cake – specially recommended – all in a tin box. A pound of chocolate, a pipe lighter – flint and steel – a roll of adhesive tape, a French-English dictionary, and a few odds and ends.
I went to Victoria St. for the mail and had quite a nice talk with Matron-in-chief McDonald. I told her Eric was in France and asked if I might be allowed to go over soon – or words to that effect – and she very kindly set my mind at rest by telling me that my name was already down to go as I already had A.M.C. training. I was more taken with her than I had been, for she was so interested in the one of us who have brothers over here – and asked for a special list of their names etc. and she herself will see that we are notified at once and allowed to go to them if they are ill, so that is rather satisfactory, isn’t it?
There is one of our nurses a Miss Manchester from Ottawa who was expelled from the Toronto General in her second year for going out with the House men. Miss McDonald sent for her and she is not to be allowed equal standing. She said that she couldn’t prevent untrained nurses from coming over – but that she could and would prevent them from taking the place of fully qualified nurses. That sounds pretty good. But of course all that is private. We have been cautioned repeatedly against allowing any of our letters to be published and we are to make all our friends understand that thoroughly. Some of the letters from the First caused a great deal of comment in military circles. One Nova Scotia nurse wrote of admitting a soldier covered with vermin. He said "Sister – keep away. I’m covered with vermin" and she said, "Brother, I honour every louse on your body". Did you ever hear any thing more disgusting. That was copied into dozens of eastern papers and was very severely criticized so warn any one I might be likely to write to – in case I forget.
I have all my things now but have not been wearing them yet. My suit is such a delight and looks awfully well. It is lined with yellow silk and cost $15. In Canada $35 would about touch it.
I sent a letter a few days ago with a lot of snaps and hope it reached you safely. Am sending more.
I wrote Papa that I had heard from Eric. He was in good spirits and well. The dear boy I am longing to see him and will I am pretty sure as soon as I get across.
For a couple of days the channel boats were empty following the German threats of a blockade but now the Times says they are crowded again.
I have yawned ceaselessly all day. It is quite warm and damp and just the sort of day to make one feel lazy. Oh Mother - you'd love London – I wish a thousand times I could have you near – I went to service at the Abbey again this afternoon. It is so peaceful and lovely, and so in keeping with times like these. I am enclosing the copy of the Intercessory Service – which I like so much. God bless you – Mother dear – Love to Papa.
Yours always,
Helen
Mark everything via New York as the Canadian liners are apt to be commandeered as troop ships. We hear to-day that Canadian troops are in Egypt or Turkey but never a word is in the papers.