Between Marseilles &

Malta

June 5^th 1916

Dear Moughli,

Thank you so much for your letter which I got before I started but which I had no time to answer before.

We got the news of this Naval Battle at Lyons but beyond the communiqué have heard nothing.  But there doesn’t seem to be a chance that any of Hood’s Squadron & especially the Invincible can have been saved.  It is too ghastly to think of all those boys having gone and it all seems a horrible nightmare.  I know what you must feel as so many of them were special friends of yours and you have my deepest sympathy – though their words of *** don’t really express what I mean.  I don’t imagine there is the least chance of getting news of individuals for some days and anyhow I can’t learn for a fortnight; and as one has more than enough time in this ship to think and there it sometimes seems almost enough to drive one mad.

I saw Leo’s mother only last week and she was so full of plans for his future.  I honestly believe the shock will kill her as her heart is none too strong.

If you should hear any detail do write them to me.  You are the only person who will write one news of individuals as to who is gone and who is saved so your letter will be invaluable.  You have my address

                        c/o Assistant Military Secretary

General Headquarters,

Egyptian Expeditionary Force.

c/o G.P.O.

E.C.

We are due at Port Said on Friday I believe.

Good-bye old boy

                        Yrs ever

                                    Pat.

Why, why are these things allowed.

With cover addressed to E.V. Culme-Seymour Esq.,

Royal Naval College, Osborn, Isle of Wight.  England.  With 1d Malta stamp and postmarked **** JU 6 16.

Annotated “Answered – June 15^th.