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Date: April 9th 1940
To
Peter Guttormsson
From
Carl Henneberg
Letter

England,
April 9th /40

Dear Peter:

I received your letter last week and was pleased to know that you were doing some post-grad surgery. It is a good idea, and now that work over here is definitely out of the picture, the States is the only place. The bank wrote me, and a few days before your letter arrived, I signed and sent back the power of attorney.

I am still in charge of the Canadian Medical Centre in Farnborough. The work, in so far as medicine is concerned, is rather uninteresting, but I have the satisfaction of knowing that the job will not last much longer. The more I see of the practise of medicine abroad, the more I congratulate the Flin Flon Medical Service on the standard of their work.

Last week I was sent up to London to the Middlesex Hospital for some lectures and clinics. The trip was very much worthwhile and we had the pleasure of seeing and hearing the really big-time surgeons. The hospital is an immense place, and is more or less one of the medical and surgical “show-places”. I am looking around for a berth in surgery after the war, if it does not last too long. A few months with one of the top-notchers would be invaluable.

Yesterday the King and Queen visited our area, and the King had an inspection on our parade ground. I had an excellent view from my bed-room window. Of course he was accompanied by the usual “brass-hats” and Scotland Yard men.

Harvey is still out at our barracks, and was looking well when I last saw him about one week ago. He is plugging away for his captaincy which he should receive shortly.

On the last jaunt to London I invested in some more stamps, and now have a passable North Borneo collection. Next month the British Centenary of the Penny Post is celebrated by a new issue. I will send them to you together with the first day covers. By the time you receive this it will be old news that Germany has invaded Denmark and Norway. The situation is damned serious and God knows where it will end.

I receive the Flin Flon papers, which with a few letters keep me fairly well posted – although a bit late – with events North of 54.

I am quite accustomed to living in the Old Country now and while I enjoy strange places, I must admit that it is not particularly comfortable. By the time I see Canada again, I will undoubtedly have many and varied experiences under my belt.

Last news from Winnipeg shows a considerable number of the medical men taking military courses – even Buzz Bell.

It is fortunate that you were able to locate someone to come to Flin Flon, especially as you have been so busy.

I would give a hell of a lot to be able to drop into your hotel to-night to have a chat, and then walk out to see what a lighted city looks like.

You did not mention my first letter, you should have it by now.

I am writing a note to Percy to-night to let him know that I am still existing. Your suggestion of Percy taking a course later on is a good one, he deserves it.

The best of results with your course.

Sincerely yours,
Carl

Norm Elvin is working near here and drops in frequently. Also Scotty McCallum, who was a Mountie in Flin Flon, is next door, in the military police.

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Original Scans