Norman – Mum: 9 Sep 1917

Sept 9th 1917
Sling Camp
Dear Mum,
We have had our London holiday and are back at Sling again engaged in the convict occupation of  spreading cinders on roads.  London is some place alright and I would like to have about another fortnight there with plenty of money and no officers to salute.  The Germans, no doubt hearing that we were in the city, sent over 20 areoplanes to try and get us with bombs but did not succeed as far as we were concerned although they managed to place four very near to the hut at which we were staying.  The bombs make a bit of a fuss when they explode.  In one place a great hole was torn in the roadway every window in the street was broken and several plate glass windows around a corner fully a hundred yards away.  The explosion followed by the sound of falling glass etc, gives one the impression that the damage is a great deal more than what it really is and I can quite understand the nervousness of people when weather conditions are favourable for air raids. About eighty casualties resulted from the raid the night we were there.

The following night was experienced one of the worst thunderstorms that have ever passed over London and as the claps of thunder were very short and sharp  you can quite understand that the people were in a great state about it not knowing whether an air raid was in progress or not.  In a number of theatres the performances were quite spoilt by natures imitation of Frity.  We had a splendid  time visiting the old historic places and seeing the sights of London.  We went out to Hornchurch and saw Vic, who is now looking better than ever he did, and spent the afternoon with him there, and the following day he got leave and he came into London and we went to the palladium (variety show) together.  I don’t know yet when we will be going to France and, if the authorities are in no hurry, you can bet that we are not.

We got your letters up to Dad’s 25th July yesterday, but none of a later date.  You seem to be having a rough time of it with one thing and another and I hope that things are  all straight again by the time you get this.  From what I hear it is very likely that Neil and I will be separated before long so when you write dont be afraid of telling the same news to us both.  I have not posted those souveners yet, but will do so as soon as I get a chance.  I am sending some postcards which you have very likely received from Vic before, but I want you to keep them for me if you dont mind.  Tell Gorrie that I will write to him soon.

Au reverr
Norman