Letters from Robert James Henderson, July - December 1916 - Part 10

that if the military are
decent I shall get some
leave but being away so
long from the front do not
expect to get more than
a fortnight. However I do
not grumble as I am
practically on leave here treating
the hospital now as a hotel
here for break fast and
sleeping only. They are very
good and being in the
good books of the nurses
and doctor can do anything
I like and believe me
I do many things which

are contrary to orders &
regulations here. Am having
absolutely the time of my
life in this gay and
fascinating city and without
a doubt London is the place
to b have a good time and 
spend a lot of  money. The
fair sex are some class and
plenty of them about in fact
they all seem to be dippy on 
any thing in uniform. The way
the girls here drink their whisky
& soda with you also smoke
your cigarettes in public was
indeed strange to me at the

start but of course have been
kicking around London for
some time now. Had a
quiet week end at Brighton
lately which is about an
hours journey from here. it
was a great change getting
away from hospital for a
few days. Am going up
to Liverpool to spend Xmas
week end with M^rs Davies
who kindly gave me a
very pressing invitation the
Sister in the ward being
very good saying I could
get away from hospital from

Saturday morning until the
following Friday these people know
what chaps go through as and
are always keen on one
having a good time. when
they get a chance. People here
are simply splendid especially
to colonials have invitations
to "At Homes" 3 this week
theatres and all the rest
of it but you will have
heard of these things from
my letters home. Shall be glad
when this damed war ends just
about sick of the whole show and
trust that Xmas 1917 will

see those of us who are left
back again to in Australia
Personally I think the war
news is simply rotten and
in my opinion the Germans
will take a lot of beating
yet. Glad to hear of all 
the Government changes here
lately there has been quite
a lot of excitement and
much is expected from Lloyd
George and his war cabinet
think he is a jolly good
man and will stir things
up properly. Give my love to
Uncle the kids and Miss Baker
not forgetting yourself. Bob.

Have had 
no word from
Nana or heard anything
about him - presume he
is still in France and
OK. does he write Home - ?
N^o. 4 London Gen Hos.
Denmark Hill
London.

14.12.16.

My dear Mum
Received a lovely large parcel yesterday
(which was my birthday) containing pipe tooth
brush cigarettes ginger chocolates pad asparagus
cards handkerchiefs also socks from Llewella
give her a kiss from me and tell her
I think her a clever little girl to knit
so neatly and nicely shall g keep them
for the cold weather in France also
a tin of descent tobacco from Lorna &
Jack thank them very much for me one
cannot buy decent tobacco in London only
these rotten English mixtures. of course I am rather 
sorry receiving all these nice things while
living in London with all the comforts here
would sooner they kept these nice things
for some of the fellows in the battalion
however that is not allowable Wrote to 
Mick a little time ago really forgotten what
I said so you will have to forgive repetitions

If they occur Have been living quite the 
gay life lately among all the "Knuts" meeting
all the best people in London  A Lady the
Hon M^rs Edwards has been very kind to
me having been there to lunch once and
three "At "Home" Stunts" she also has several
invitations for me when I am ready to
go to the country homes of the very best
people Am going there for tea next Sunday
also staying for supper then on to the
Sly's place for a little dance. Meet Lady
Birdwood there yesterday afternoon she is very 
charming but not more so than the General
he is a great man and well liked by all
also met John Cowdery who has his commission
now also John Mills meet also a charming lot
of English girls  Last Monday was at an
"At Home" stunt given by Miss Jonson which
I enjoyed am going to a small dance given
at Lady Cavendish's residence next Saturday
and next Tuesday an "At Home" stunt at
Countess Brassey's residence so you see am
doing the heavy at present and meeting
all the best people in England it is very
nice and most interesting saw the list of
people who are going to the dance on Saturday 

Lady this & Lady that terribly swank
can never remember their names still
notwithstanding I have not a swool swollen
head they are very ordinary all these people
and all are particularly nice and homely 
of course they have plenty of money fine
houses with cars butlers servants galore etc
but find them particularly nice with it
all. In the  midst of this letter the Sister has
just come and given me two complimentary
tickets for Hobsons Choice at the Prince of
Wales Theatre 2^nd row in the front stalls tonight
I have seen the show but do not mind
having another look at it. She is a great
sport and seems to dote on me which
of course is very nice too. Have been to
nearly every theatre in London so have not
been going just lately went last week to the
Bing Boys a Revue they are mad on it
over here and well they might be the
music very gay and catchy and altogether
a tip top show. Have an invitation to
go to some Dukes residence for the
the New Year week end forgotten his name
but could not accept as I shall not be
back from Liverpool where I am going 

for Xmas week. Met a lady at Miss
Jonsons the other afternoon who lived in
Australia a long time knew Moss Vale very
well, Grandfather Ballgerys and all those
people you used to talk about cant for
the life of me tell you her name. you
would be sure to know her she seemed
rather interested when I told her RPR
was my grandfather I find it very hard
to remember names when you meet a lot
of people together in a room especially when 
some are titled and others not frightened
I might make a bill bull so never
mention the x name. The leg is simply
splendid now causing me very little
inconvenience now it is a treat after
about 3 months soreness and stiffness more
or less. Asked the Sister when I should be
ready to get out of hospital she said not 
until the end of January will need a lot
of massage to make it quite well again
for marching etc etc still it feels OK just
a tiny bit of stiffness and quite healed
now however I shall not argue the point
an extra month is better here at this time
of the year than in France. Well my dear
lots of love to everyone and plenty for your dear self
Bob

14/12/16.