Chapter 19

I went into the first recruiting office I could find and enlisted in the Canadian army. 9: Warrick

It was only months later that the letter found me, and I learned that Harry had been killed by mortar fire on the second day of that battle, which had proved to be a victory for the allies.

The next letter from Thomas was much longer in reaching me, having to deal with not only the vagaries of the African postal service, but also with the caprice of the Army. I was in the trenches on the Western Front when it finally caught up with me.

I tipped my gas mask off my face and sat down to read it. I’ve been promoted to captain! And none of that, ‘Well, I reckon they must be hard up for officers,’ from you, Mr Synclaire! But…all joshing aside, my prickly Thorn, I’m so glad you’re well out of this

He hadn’t received my letter telling him of Harry’s death, then, and my subsequent enlistment.