Upper B1 Ward
No 5 Katesgrove War Hospital
Reading, Berks.
11/11/17
My Dearest
I arrived here about 2pm, it seems to be rather a nice place but of course I have not been able to look around much yet.
It was the biggest surprise I ever had when they sent me over here, I only got a little wee bruise on the back & it is better now. I have had things a lot worse than this & never gone off duty, but on the night of Oct 31st when I got hit (this happened right in Ypres) I did not just know how bad it was as I went to the dressing station & they sent me straight to the C.C.S. The following evening I got on the ambulance train bound for Rouen, where we arrived on Fri. afternoon. Even then I had not the least idea that I would make a "Blighty" out of it. I was examined by the doctor the next morning, he never said a word but just looked at my papers & marked them "England" right away.
Dearest you can just imagine how I felt, I could have danced for joy.
During this push, they have to keep all hospitals in France as clear as possible, that is the reason they are sending so many to England. Otherwise I would not have had the ghost of a chance. Well after my papers were marked I just laid low waiting my turn to get on a convoy. It seemed an awful long time coming & after waiting several days I began to feel rather uneasy, because if ever the doctor had seen me again, he would most certainly have taken me off the Blighty list, & packed me off up to the line again. However I was fortunate enough to get to this side, & you bet I shall do all I know to stay here. I have not seen the doctor here yet, I wonder what he will say. He is quite liable to send me back to duty right away. But anyway I shall be able to get 10 day sick leave very soon, & that is what I am looking forward to.
Dearest it seems too wonderful to be true & I cannot quite realize it yet. Sister says light must be out by 8 so I must say Good-night Dearest. Hope to receive on of you dear letters soon.
Lots & lots & lots of love & xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
from Yours only & forever
Fred
