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[Page 51]
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The Doctor's report was that his recovery was likely to be protracted, but it was not long before he was able to go to the Convalescent Hospital for R.F.C. Officers at Shirley Park, and here, some weeks later I was able to see him, for my Area Controller very kindly arranged that I should take duty that might easily have been apportioned to some one else.
I travelled on the same steamer as the Duke of Connaught and his staff, when returning from their trip to Egypt. We were particularly well convoyed, for besides destroyers on either side, there floated over us a baby Zeppelin of British manufacture of course, and I am told, from these, the observer can peer into the very depths of the sea.
It gave me great satisfaction to see how well Ron was being cared for in most beautiful surroundings, away, as was so necessary, the sister explained, from the distracting noises of Air raids. There were sixty or seventy young air men there, seeing them separately grouped like this made one realise what a splendidly virile set they were. From some of them I learnt what a miraculous escape Ron had, when picked up it was thought he was dead. No other has been crashed that distance who has not been killed, but be was mercifully spared and making a good recovery. Having completed my official mission I returned to duty the next day with a heart full of thankfulness for my escape from a great sorrow.
My Command being in the centre of the town it was my privilege to entertain most of the distinguished visitors, and that gave me considerable pleasure for there were women of note who came with special permission from the War Office, and among the most interesting were Lady Baden Powell who came to make a report on the Women's work. She seemed most interested to know that I was an Australian, and later wrote to congratulate on what she was pleased to call my "splendid Sacrifice". She in London has command of the "girl guides" a sister organisation to the Boy Scouts of which her husband is the distinguished leader.