Marshgate House
Richmond
Surrey
27th June 1915
My dear Eugénie
I hear that Cyril has left for abroad, that his destination is the Dardanelles. By the time he gets out there, I hope things will be progressing faster there, and that the way to Constantinople will soon be opened. Should it prove so, he will have a very interesting time. Our submarines appear to be keeping the Turks from receiving reinforcements from the Sea of Marmara and, though they occupy very strong positions, there seems to be a prospect of their not being able to defend them, if their supplies can be cut off. We shall all be glad to know that all is well with Cyril out there, but it is, of course, an anxious time for you and Julius.
At last I have news of Charlie Hodson. He has written to me. He managed to get to London last February and he enlisted in the Royal Fusiliers under the assumed name of J Butcher. His Battalion was at Roffey Camp, Horsham, Sussex, but has just been sent to Mansfield, Notts, and as soon as he writes to tell me where they have settled down, I shall go and see him. I am glad he has shown that he can take care of himself. Of course it was foolish to enlist as “J Butcher”. I don’t know what age he will have given, he is only just 16. I have done what I could to let Annie know through Holland, through Switzerland. Connie Jenkins, Hodson’s daughter, has sent a letter to her father through the American Embassy, so they will be sure to hear.
We are just back from Hardres Court where we have been staying with Robert Gardiner and his wife.
Polly enjoyed her visit to Tunbridge Wells; it seems to have suited Edwin who was with her there.
Jack was with us here for a few days when we first came, and some time ago, Kathleen looked in one afternoon.
Much love from us both.
Your affectionate brother
Fred
