WW II Letters To My Mother: April 25, 1945

April 25, 1945 saw my father in a military hospital in England.  He was one of many.  During World War Two more than a million Canadians enlisted in the military, 50 000 were wounded and 45 000 killed. At the time, the population of Canada stood at 11 million.

Tomorrow, spare those two minutes to think about the more than a million people and their families whose sacrifices helped keep Canada a free country.

April 25, 1945                                     Canadian Army Overseas, Ward 21, England

My Darling Babe,

Hello! My Sweethearts.  How are my lovely Darlings today?  I've got three letters from you that you wrote since you got the wire.  It must have been quite a shock to you my poor Darling, receiving the wire, but as Edgar says and I've often thought, it could have been a great deal worse. 

It's a wonderful feeling Darling to realize that I am coming home back to my Little Angel and our precious baby.  I'm thinking about it all the time.  You seemed to be quite sure that I was coming too, eh Darling?  I'm nearly certain that I'll be coming to the military hospital at Nanaimo, so I should be able to be home quite a lot of the time.

They stopped giving me penicillin on the 23rd which was quite a relief as my arm was getting quite sore from the needle.

I got up yesterday for the first time and sat in a chair for awhile then I went out in the sunshine.  It really was grand to be outside, it's so nice over here now.  Right now I'm sitting on the edge of my bed writing this letter.  I managed to shave myself today, but it was a little awkward just being able to use one hand.  I'm going to try to wash my hair tomorrow.

Tom was here to see me on Sunday, it was sure good to see him.  He is looking quite well and is coming again the week after next.

If you read of the R.W.R.s fighting on the 9th or anytime, I would be in it.  I have a map of the area we were fighting in when I got hit.

I am buying a $50.00 war bond this time.

I may be reduced to a Cpl. again as I haven't been a full Sjt. long enough to get confirmed.

Bye bye for now my precious Darlings.  Best regards to Edgar.  Take care Sweeheart.  God bless you all.

I love you Darling.  Always yours, Johnnie xxxx