Somewhere at Sea,
Sunday, May 12, 1918
Dear Helen,
Your first letter opened and read today and I enjoyed it, I assure you.
Much to my own satisfaction and contrary to both your and my expectations I have not been seasick. I can eat as much as when I was in Toronto and probably a little bit more. And also keep it in place too. Have never had any desire to take back or throw overboard whatever.
The weather has been simply ideal. Bright sun for both days and a low sea. Very little roll to the boat. We get three excellent meals and afternoon tea as well. I have a single stateroom,and it is very nice and cosy. There are 15 in our bunch going over as Surgeon Probationers, so we are not very lonesome.
As to Beulah chewing gum and also being perturbed on our meeting that night at Westminster, I comment not on the first, as I at the present moment have my molars working on a similar article. And as for Jake, I think he is a very fine boy. I took to him at once. As to Beulah, well I'd better not comment but you can say for me I certainly didn't take anything that would appear as a dislike. And the feeling assumed was no "camouflage "
By the way, all air vessels are camouflaged. You should see them Sorry I can't describe them to you. We are one of a large convoy and on a clear day we can see them all. They serve very well to break the monotony of the scene.
The Marquis and Marchioness of Aberdeen, Harry Lauder, Canon Savage, American and Canadian officers, civilians (both sexes), American soldiers and marines are on board. And if anyone says to you that the Americans aren't being rushed overseas, just tell them they know nothing about it.
Quarters and conditions are all that could be desired. However I believe when I get on my own ship and am away for five weeks that it will sure prove monotonous. However if this trip indicates an absence of seasickness, that will be one great thing to be thankful for. A big difficulty overcome.
Your description of Lydia was fine. Of course I can only imagine what she is like but - poor thing - what all could you expect if she pulled through a sea voyage with 60 odd children. Certainly no camouflage. Eh?
It is about 4 P.M. and quite a heavy fog is hanging around. We cannot see the other vessels and the fog horns are blowing to keep the vessels from butting into each other.
We had service this forenoon. Canon Savage had charge and it was quite a nice service. The lounge apartment was filled. We have 25 YMCA men on board and I guess they arranged the service. More later,
Fred.
A little more.
A week has passed and still we have seen no land. And in the meantime I have fallen victim to that never-failing seasickness. But I wasn't sick very long, I lost one meal per overboard. I missed eating two meals and have managed the rest.
We ran into a 50 mile an hour gale and believe me the waves did pile up, 25 to 50 feet. Here are some of the different positions on deck in 2 minutes: [diagram in original letter].
Once both I and my deck chair shot suddenly for the railing and on the rail I was smashed very unceremoniously into my chair again. A Lt. Col. fell backwards in the smoke room and put his head through a panel in the wall, knocking him senseless. The dishes on the table danced the Highland fling
and one morning our waiter had to set the table 8 times in a half hour. Oh, it was some gale and the number of sick was large. I am quite satisfied with my record and think that I may yet make a good sailor.
Last night we had an entertainment on board. Harry Lauder, Annie S. Swan, a band, singing, and elocution were on the billboard, and a delightful evening was spent. We raised £48 for the Soldiers' Orphanages and £20 for the Harry Lauder fund for Scottish Soldiers and Sailors. The Marquis of Aberdeen was Chairman. Money was raised by a silver collection. Didn't the passengers do well!
We are now in the Danger Zone and stand in readiness at all times. I liked all those letters and I thank you for the plan you adopted. I am not making a direct answer to those two kind ladies who have written me but I have written in such a way that you can forward each of them a single sheet out of your letter. You will know my address and if they wish to write me I will certainly not fail in a reply.
Thursday, May 23, 1918. Liverpool, 10 A.M.
We are lying in Liverpool harbour and will dock soon. We have therefore landed safely and to say the least it has been a delightful voyage.
I hope you are all fine and that you are finished at University and have landed a coveted summer job. I don't know anything about Walter. Probably he is in our convoy, and is here in the harbour.
Write to me lots and soon.
Best regards,
Fred.
Sub.Lieut. F.J.Nickle, R.N.V.R., Royal Overseas Officers' Club, c/o R.A.C., Pall Mall,
London, E.C., England.
