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[Page 108]
102 December 27th
It was simply delightful to be in conversation with Eng. people again. At some of the Stations bands played popular airs, commencing with our national anthem. It was a great time, we seemed to be able to forget all of a sudden the bad times we had endured.
December 28th
Arrived at Bern at 2 am when we were welcomed by the British Ambassador Lord Newton & other Swiss authorities, we had an excellent meal, plenty of varied drinks. At such an early hour, it was surprising to see so many smiling faces & all doing something for our comfort. It was a grand reception & an occasion that one cannot forget –
Everybody sympathised with us, & expressed how pleased they were that we were at last released. Were entrained again at 4 am we were split up having to catch different trains, all for Montreux entrained again at 4 am & arrived at 9 am & all along the line, we were cheered & cheered. It was a thrilling experience. We never felt so happy since being in captivity –
On arrival at Montreux we were accorded a civic reception & welcomed to Switzerland. Some very eloquent but flattering speeches were made by the Swiss authorities & in the absence of General Williams who is very bad, Colonel Anderson, responded very nicely & thanked the Swiss people for the very hearty welcome accorded us. Swiss military Band was in attendance & played all the national anthems.
It was here that we made our debeau numerous sympathetic friends introduced themselves & extended invitations to visit them &c. It was indeed a happy day for all of After we had dined we were allocated to our various hotels, I being drafted to Hotel Beau Sejour Vevey with Tremlott Wilcox Toogood – Stones has gone to Pension de Comte, quite close to us – I have a room to myself mostly elaborately furnished, with every convenience. We have two very good friends already Mr & Mrs Peak who have supplied us with clothing – pyjamas &c. Spent night at Hotel & rested –
Today has indeed been a happy one.