Letter: December 1939

Being home for a short visit has given me the opportunity to transcribe a letter Granddad wrote to his mother back in December of 1939 when he was headed overseas.

Aboard the Regina del Pacifico Dec 21 1939

Dear Mom-

We are finally abroad ship in Halifax basin waiting to move out sometime to-day. There is quite a few ships in the convoy and we are having a wonderful escort overseas. The quarters aboard ship are fairly comfortable considering the fact that I have never slept in a hammock before. We have wonderful meals and when I say wonderful thats what I mean. The only objection to life aboard ship is that we sleep and eat in the same room. I hope you got my letter from Quebec we had nothing to do so we wrote letters. I wrote one to you and Theresa and a card to Mr. Lovick.

I suppose you will be getting my picture tomorrow and Theresa will be calling for it.

We do life drill most of the time in case anything happens but the Officers say it will be practically impossible for anything to get us on account of the marvelous naval convoy.

How is all the folks at home and how is Nanny? Tell her the pies were delicious and we ate them on Sunday in Quebec and one on Monday in New Brunswick. I still have the pacs of stuff, cigarettes and Xmas cake left but it is gradually disappearing.

As yet I have received only one letter and that was from Ron but it was late getting me in Toronto so it was forwarded from the boat.

Out ship used to be a luxury liner in the South Pacific ocean and she is built on the lines of a Spanish villa.

Yesterday and today it has been miserably wet and foggy and it rained last night.

I guess the kids are getting all ready for Christmas you know that Xmas is there big time. Please take some of my money and buy them something. I want you to do that now. When we get in England I will mail you another letter and then you will know what the trip was like.

Well must close now as the time for life boat drill is close and I have to get ready.

Well keep well and keep smiling and I wish everyone a merry Xmas and a Happy New Year.