{"id":340,"date":"2013-05-19T21:02:55","date_gmt":"2013-05-19T21:02:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/warletters.falkor.gen.nz\/?page_id=340"},"modified":"2013-06-27T01:43:01","modified_gmt":"2013-06-27T01:43:01","slug":"norman-mum-9-sep-1917","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/warletters.falkor.gen.nz\/?page_id=340","title":{"rendered":"Norman \u2013 Mum: 9 Sep 1917"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sept 9th 1917
\nSling Camp
\nDear Mum,
\nWe have had our London holiday and are back at Sling again engaged in the convict occupation of \u00a0spreading cinders on roads. \u00a0London is some place alright and I would like to have about another fortnight there with plenty of money and no officers to salute. \u00a0The 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. \u00a0The bombs make a bit of a fuss when they explode. \u00a0In 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. \u00a0The 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.<\/p>\n

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 \u00a0you can quite understand that the people were in a great state about it not knowing whether an air raid was in progress or not. \u00a0In a number of theatres the performances were quite spoilt by natures imitation of Frity. \u00a0We had a splendid \u00a0time visiting the old historic places and seeing the sights of London. \u00a0We 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. \u00a0I 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.<\/p>\n

We got your letters up to Dad’s 25th July yesterday, but none of a later date. \u00a0You seem to be having a rough time of it with one thing and another and I hope that things are \u00a0all straight again by the time you get this. \u00a0From 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. \u00a0I have not posted those souveners yet, but will do so as soon as I get a chance. \u00a0I 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. \u00a0Tell Gorrie that I will write to him soon.<\/p>\n

Au reverr
\nNorman<\/p>\n