WW II Letters To My Mother: November 11, 1943

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sourced by Barbara McPherson

Separation from loved ones is the lot of the enlisted when they are sent out of the country.  For Canadians sent overseas during WW II, letters and telegrams were the means of communication home.  I chose this particular letter today because it was written on November 11.  Armistice Day marks the signing of the peace treaty to end the First World War.  It was dubbed "The War To End All Wars".  Sadly, we know better now.

At this point in the war, my father has been in England for nearly a year, his father in law has died and his daughter whom he has never seen is five months old.

November 11, 1943                             Canadian Forces Overseas, England

My Precious Darlings,

How are you tonight My Sweet?  I hope you are keeping well and happy Darling and not feeling too lonesome.  I've just been up to the Naafi for a cup of tea, it's now nine o'clock. 

There's a lovely moon out tonight .  Darling I wish you were here so we could go for a walk, it's nice and clear but a little frosty.

We've been doing mostly maintenance the last few days, but we had sports this afternoon.  We are getting things fixed up a little better now.  The Sergeant's mess is operating and they set out the tables quite nicely, and serve our meals to us on plates.  It's quite a difference from eating out of our mess-tins for so long.  We put some more shelves up in our sleeping quarters and today we attached a cord and bulb to the main light wire so we can have a light right down close to the table when we are writing letters. 

I was intending to go to London this weekend but there's a shoot coming off on Saturday and I see they have me down for Orderly Sergeant on Sunday, so I guess I won't get my pass.

I got a letter from Mother on Tuesday and one from Rennie today.  I still haven't got any cigs or parcel but the mail came in late tonight so maybe my name will be on the list tomorrow.

I certainly am pleased with the photos Darling, they're just swell.  Our Little Darling looks so sweet and she's so big and bright.  I have them out in front of me now.  I gaze at them for hours it seems. I'd certainly be a very happy Daddy if I could be there with you now. 

Today is Armistice Day.  It certainly will be grand when the next one is signed, won't it Darling?

We have water on for cocoa and bread to make toast so I guess we'll be having lunch and then I'll go to bed and think of my Darling until I fall asleep.

Give out Little Darling a nice big kiss for her Daddy.  God bless you both and keep you safe always,

Your Loving Darling, Johnnie xxxxxxxx