Letters from Geoffrey Gordon McCrae to his family, July - September 1915 - Part 6

19.9.15.
Cpd

GGMcC
1DRL 427
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REST CAMP
LEMNOS 19.9.1915
Dearest Dorothy
Thanks very much for your
letter of 3rd Aug. I have received a
Copy of the Clear Call and we are
all very engrossed in it the
verse which specially appeals
to me is "My Soldier" you must
have known something when
you wrote that. Ah! but we have
need of our loved ones at home
who are in reality the main
springs of our exiled and hazardous
life. I am awfully glad you
like Maude and thank you
for the news you have given me
of her, each word is as a pearl
of great price to me. We are
here on the island for the purpose
of recuperating our health and
resting after (for some) five continuous
months under fire. I dont
know how long we are to be here
but I am sure the relaxation
will be a boon to us all.
It is very peaceful here beside

19. 9. 15
the blue waters of the crowded harbour
on a yellow stubble field surrounds
by low hills upon which are
flocks of sheep with bells about
their necks and as they feed the
tinkling bells sound exactly like
a brook running over pebbles
Then of course there are the sky
larks which sing  their morning
and evening carols as they do
even on our battle seared field
at Anzac. But here there is a
blessed hush and no continuous
rattle of rifles or roar of cannon
or droning hum of air craft
to disturb the tranquil air
which in itself is a great
relief. I have nothing further to
say so well conclude wishing
you Charles & the Kiddies all
happiness & good health
much love
from
Geoff.

1 DRL 427

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Lemnos
27.  9. 1915.
Dearest Mother father & Helen,
Only a few minutes before
the mail closes so cannot write
a lengthy letter We are very busy
preparing for the trenches again
I have been for the last five days
on a cruise on a Destroyer had
a most beautiful time went
sailing and fishing in her
whaler under the Turks very
noses they put a smoke screen
between us and the enemy
until we got the sails set.
No time for more much
love from
Geoff

27.9.15.
Cpd
GGMcC
1DRL 427
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REST CAMP

LEMNOS
29.9.1915
Dearest Mother Father & Helen,
I am awfully tired of these place I
havent felt will since I have been
here my energies are sapped by dioreha
and my skin tormented by what
seem to be uneradicle vermin at times
I stay awake all night nearly tearing
myself to pieces. Time hangs heavily on
our hands and I grow more homesick
daily. Yesterday the strain was
abreviated considerably, We arranged
a cricket match against the Eighth
Battalion and had a marquee erected
and afternoon tea provided. 30 Australian
nurses from the Hospitals came over
in response to our invitation so a thus
otherwise dull afternoon was spent
pleasantly. We were easy winners of
the match. I made four runs & caught
two. I have just received your letters of
23rd August and the scent of the
boronia made my heart ache.  how
I long for you all and for Maude
Yes that is poor old Flockhart with me in

that photo outside my dugout. I think I have
already thanked you for the flynet Freda's £3
has also at last found its way to me together with
a batch of old letters dating back to 13th April
which have been wandering round in the military
postal whirlpool. I also got a letter from
Andrew Mclerae Bruce inviting me to his
home in the Channel Islands to
recuperate If ever get to England
I shall certainty avail myself of
the opportunity to visit Jersey of
which I have read many fascinating
descriptions by John Oxenham etc
I have also been invited to a place
called Darlington by a Mrs Robson her
son was in my Company at Broad
Meadows and I was his best man
when he married out there His people
are very well to do folk and great
Hunting enthusiasts
Farewell
much love
from
Geoff.

1 DRL 427

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