Alexander diary, 1917-1918 / Roy Alexander - Page 250
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[Page 250]
from a packed mass of people which was startling.
I had no idea that so many people existed in Scotland – (to say nothing of Lieth) - & the huge crowds lining the flag–draped streets absolutely mobbed us. I found myself holding a huge box of chocolates which a woman of 40 or so presented with a kiss, & bundles of cigarettes, paper streamers, toy sirens, "ticklers" were all over me. The women hugged us almost off the lorry, men shook our fists (my hands were both red-raw when we got to the station), a cinema man rushed his camera along to get Teds expression of idiotic ecstasy, & when we finally got into the special train at the station a mob of dear, delightful lassies (porterisses, W.A.A.C.s etc. all got into the carriages & mugged us tell we left. It was an overpowering welcome – so unexpected, to warm, and so "real" that it dazed me, quite.
My brief recollection of Scotland, and my very first landing on British soil are too pleasant to be ever forgotten.