This was a long, tedious day, and we had a very busy morning before us at Moss's as there was a lot of stuff to collect. We breakfasted at 8.30 and went to Moss's at 9.30, where we had arranged to meet a man who was to collect all our kit, and we started rummaging about the shop. An hour and a half later, we emerged from the shop in a bedraggled condition, taxied back to Batts and started packing kits.
Twelve was arranged as the time for lunch. RSG, Sam and Pat were to lunch with us, and our luggage or kit from Moss's was supposed to be delivered at 11.45. Well, after lunching by ourselves, the enemy showed at 12.20 and no kit or lunchers. However, the kit arrived 5 minutes later, and it was rushed into the bags. A lot of weight was needed to close the kits, but eventually they were bundled downstairs at 12.35 and were being placed on the taxi when the three others arrived in a breathless state.
There were hurried farewells on the doorstep and then we were off to the station, trying to remember what we had left and wondering whether our kit would turn the scales at Southampton. An agreed meeting place had been arranged, and we met our senior officer, Shipley, who was in charge, at the Refreshment Bar. After some little time, we collected our party and grabbed two carriages. Bee and I were very surprised to see Mr Brett on the station, and we were very pleased to see a face we knew. It was more homely to have someone seeing us off.
The train ran in at Southampton at about 4.00, and we piled all our luggage onto ford taxis on arrival and proceeded to the embarkation offices in the docks. It was about five minutes run to the docks, and we received our orders, which said we were to embark for France not later than 12.00, but that the boat would not leave till 1.30 the next morning. We all dined at the South Western Hotel, which accommodated officers only. There we kicked our heels till 10 o'clock, which was the earliest we were allowed to embark. On getting down to the boat we were greatly surprised to find that we could get a four-berth cabin – in fact any berths at all.
Had he been to France prior to this, do you know? Whilst in Cambridge, perhaps?
ReplyDeleteMy impression is that he must have been, but I'll have to ask mum if she knows.
ReplyDeleteYour mother must be well into her eighties, if I may presume to note. My own father, of whom you know, is in his 90th year.
ReplyDeleteShe is, but still rounding up cattle and cultivating an enviable kitchen garden, plus waging a one-woman war against the suckers of an enormous elm that dominates the lawn at the front of her house.
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