Search The Archive

Search form

Collection Search
Date: August 27th 1917
To
Lulu
From
Tom
Letter

Granville Canadian Special Hospital
Ramsgate, Kent.
Aug. 27., '17.

My dear Lulu

We are still here as you will see by my address, but things have that confused appearance that presages a quick removal. I expect to be away from here this week anyway, tho where I dont know. I have heard that "Canada cases" will be sent either to Buxton or Liverpool, so I may be only come thirty or forty miles from Manchester in a few days. What has become of my appreciation for leave I dont know, though I hear that all leave is cancelled; but time will show. Of course the main thing, my going to Canada, is settled as far as I know.

Fritz has not been here since his last boisterous visit. Glaziers are busy all over the town putting in the broken windows. It was a sad thing to watch the funeral of some of the victims, & at the churches yesterday there were thanksgivings & intercessions. I really pity the poor women & children here, for they have to stay in their homes & just listen to the Crash! Crash! as the bombs drop in different parts of the town, waiting & wondering whether one will not drop on them any minute. It is a bitter, cruel, cruel method of warfare.

On Saturday last I went to a town called Minster, about five miles away from Ramsgate, & visited the parish church. It was a treat. We passed the spot where St. Augustine met the Eng. King (Ethelbert, I think) where a Runic Cross has been erected with a Latin inscription. You see this is the oldest part of England. The church was built as early as the 10th to the 13th century, & you can clearly see the enlargements that have been made at each period. It is intensely interesting. The old lady who showed us round was a mixture of knowledge (technical) & humor. As she described the ancient oak carvings of the 'miseries' - seats in the chancel - you would have roared.

But I have just received three letters from you, Lulu dear, & they convey the sad news of your accident. I am very sorry indeed, & wish I could be with you to help you. You see I have two good legs anyway that can do quite a bit of running around. And you have two good arms that could help me. Between us we could make one quite respectable person. But I am hoping that by now you are better & able to be around. I hope you are not suffering much pain for I know now how pain can torture one. Try to keep yourself well, my dear Lulu; perhaps I shall be with you in a month after you get this. I hope that no serious after effects will follow. May God bless & keep you.

Give my kindest regards to your father & mother. I am afraid I shall not see Carman now, unless I am sent somewhere near London, which is improbable. Write in care of my father for then I have a chance of getting the letters after I leave Ramsgate. Try to keep up your courage, & we shall have a good time together.

Yours with best love
Tom.

Original Scans

Original Scans