Ward A2. Shorncliffe Military
Hospital Apl 25/16

Dear John

My last letter did'nt sound very cheerful so I will make up for it by writing you now. I must have been in the dumps that day, for I really had nothing to whine over.

Am glad to say that Jack came through that St Eloi fight alright and McFaghen was only slightly wounded and according to accounts is back on duty. I'm enclosing Jacks letter and it must have been hell, for I can read between the lines and know what it was like. Received your Easter cable and was greatly cheered. Thanks old man you're too thoughtful altogether, about the blooming old ruin of a Tommy. Will be sent to Ramsgate or some similar place shortly for massage etc. The staff here are all Blue noses. The Colonel, Stewart knows my father, and the other doctors know of him and so I am not neglected. Dr Rankin came to see me yesterday, He examined the wrist carefully and to use his own words as nearly as I can remember them he said "Thats a hell of a mess, but you'll have a pretty useful member out of it yet. They all say here that no one is sent to Canada until cured (or as nearly cured as they ever will be) and that any one who can do light duty is put on duty on different staff job etc ,in Blighty. Of course I signed on for the duration, and if I can replace some able bodied chap so that he can go to the front, it is obviously my duty to do so. However nothing can be done till I've been fixed up and brought before the Board who pronounce your fate. In the meantime I'm getting well and fat, I spent the whole afternoon lying on the beach in the sun, and listening to guns out at sea. Have'nt hear what was happening. Will write you again shortly. By the way I was Xrayed the other day and the reports shows "Great porosity of the carpal bones." I'm no wiser, are you? Have a further Xray exam in a day or so. I guess I'll be able to run a hospital myself when I get back. Give my love to all

Your loving brother
Douglas
55154
19th Canadians