HG12/15/28

Letter from Henry Hugh Longuet Longuet-Higgins, Headquarters 44th Division BEF, to his wife [Albinia] Cecil Longuet-Higgins [nee Bazeley]

31 Mar [1940]

From: 1940 To: 1940

Describes the previous day: early breakfast then car to the station. Shared a compartment with Col. Cowell, Whiston and Davis. At the port of embarkation Captain Halls took the writer and 2 others to a hotel for a nice lunch. Secured places on board and then spent a lazy, sunny afternoon on the water waiting for the start; everyone tried to count the barrage balloons. Listened to the news and Churchill's broadcast on the boat deck. Shared a 2 berth cabin with Davis. Comments about soldiers leaving their wives and girlfrends. Has had a couple of services this morning and parade service. Went to the French Naval Officers club and had an excellant lunch including oysters and wine. Hopes Cecil and Pat [daughter] enjoyed the wedding. Writer had a letter from Pamela before leaving, with thanks for the wedding present, which was pretty good as the telegraphic money order was only sent at about 10.15 am on Friday.

item

Longuet-Higgins, Henry Hugh Longuet,
Bazeley, Albinia Cecil Bazeley,
Longuet-Higgins, Albinia Cecil,
Longuet-Higgins, Patricia

family correspondence, militia, France, church services, travel