30 Cdn Air Survey Liaison Sec, RCE

Cdn Army England.

8 Apr 45

Dear Jean:

It was a wonderful surprise to have your letter written last Sunday arrive yesterday noon. I didn't get it till evening because had gone up to town just before lunch to Margaret Haywards birthday party, which included luncheon and the theatre, caught the 6oclock train back and had supper here.

Evidently March with you went out like a lion, as it did here. Easter week end was very stormy, and its been pleasant but not inspiring since. The seem to get so many overcast days, its tantalizing to think that up above that ceiling of grey clouds, the sun is shining strong now, in a clear blue sky. I suppose if the sun shonw more, the countryside would be drier, harder, and not so lush.

Glad Mary is better, and especially that she is happy. Guess the adenoids should come out as soon as her ear inflammation subsides. Poor Jean, you are having all the worries, and arranging to do, and I sit back here, approving of course, but remote and not much real help. I will have to make up for it by being a complete nursemaid for the next one. Your trip to the stables in quest of riding boots sounds most interesting, and Mary must have been thrilled. It would be nice if she could have a good visit on a farm where they have lots of horses, and a gentle one for her to ride.

It was good of Evans to call, and I'm very flattered by his remarks to you. You are right, my dear, if fellows like Evans give you the OK, it doesn't matter too much what the generals think. I had heard that he had been boarded out on account of ill health, but had not seen him since before D Day. I hope his health improves, he did not seem too strong when I saw him last.

Thanks for the quote from Leilas letter. It seems almost too much to hope that her prayer will be answered. So many mothers are suffering the anguish of uncertainty. A good friend of the Morrises, fine little woman, has had her son a prisoner since Dunkirk, he was last known to be in one of the camps near Cassel, of course some of those camps were forced marched into more eastern parts when our troops threatened. For some obscure reason the papers are allowed to publish the most tragic details about their sufferings, and it is dreadfully upsetting to those whose sons etc are still unaccounted for. Maybe they think it is necessary to fan up the fires of hatred, which war seems to require. Rather unfairly at the expense of those who have suffered most.
Don't know how much available cash you should keep in the bank. If you should find that it would be feasible for you and Mary to come over here in June or July, you would need some ready cash. Why not buy about $300 or $400 worth. Later on, when I know what my programme is going to be for the summer, can give you a better idea what I should be able to send. Was over to see the Bevans today, at their summer cottage, and they say you and Mary would be most welcome both at the cottage on the island, and in their flat in town. You will certainly have some genuine and enjoyable welcomes at Morrises, Haywards, and the Bevans. You are just the type that old Bill Bevan would take a fancy to, and am afraid you would fall for him in a big way too. Mrs B is OK too. Think they are the most informal of my English friends.

Had another peep into CMHQ the other day, and altho my case is not yet finally settled, the LT Col who is handling it seemed to think that I should be getting ready for it to go through. It may take a week or 10 days yet for the final OK. Gosh how these things take time, one requires the patience of Job himself. Once I get started, I will be infinitely relieved. In the meantime, am trying to clean up some of the most important things, and its going to keep me busy, and prevent me from going crazy too I guess, which is a good thing I suppose.
Have been curious to know what bill Hall's plans are going to be. Evidently there has been a hitch in his proposed return here, but as I haven't heard from him since he first arrived, it is hard for me to know whats cooking, and hard to do anything to help him at this end. They seem to be allowing very few of them to come back. It is just five years and a few days since he and I left Victoria, must confess it is about a year longer than I originally bargained for, but when I think back to midsummer of 40, and the blitz days of 40-41-42, when the outlook was really black, I was not too sure sometimes if I would ever see Canada again, as a free person. Glad old Axel got the Mention, and I'll bet his folks are thrilled.

Margarets party was very nice, and managed at the last minute to get her a nice woolen "sloppy Jo" sweater, (with the help of a charming CWAC captain I had the good fortune to meet), so I wrote a card making it a birthday present from Bill & Me. The show as "No Medals", which I thoroughly enjoyed, a good, but simple take off on English family life in Wartime. Lots of scope for local human bits, and well played. Lieut Rechard stayed here last night, has had some interesting experiences in the Riviera, southern France. He may be back in a week for a longer stay.

LOVE to you BOTH....

GER