22 Sept 1939
Empress of Russia

Dear Alma,

An ocean voyage is generally rather wearying, and after one has read until tired and slept on deck until cold, we begin to think of writing letters. Thank you so much for your letter which I believe met us at the boat, and thank you too for the congratulations although we have been married quite a while we have not as yet had opportunity to settle down. So we are looking forward to arrival in Japan and getting a little rest of our own.

We left as arranged on Aug. 26th but very late in the evening. So father and mother did not wait to see the boat sail. We actually left about 11.30 p.m. and after passing Cherbourg made off across the ocean. There were many rumours on board as to war or not but we had a safe journey arriving in Quebec on Sept 2nd, the day before war was declared. We were thankful to have crossed the Atlantic .

We went on to Toronto and stayed there for a few days with members of the Faith Mission, with which we both were connected in the "old country" as they term it in Canada. While in Toronto we had the privilege of a trip to mighty Niagara, which is certainly a wonderful sight. I suppose a trip in the boat that sails around the bottom of the Falls would give you a greater idea of the vastness of the cataract. Then from Toronto we went on West across the great Canadian continent, and had a couple of days up in the Rockies. We were able to make a trip to famous Lake Louise, a gem of scenic beauty. It is a small blue-green lake set between two dark, fir covered mountains, and backed by Mt Victoria which is glacier covered. We were favoured with a beautiful day and clear blue skies, so we saw the lake at its best. Incidentally we saw many fine peaks on the 40-mile drive from Banff where we were staying.

From Banff we travelled down to Vancouver, the railway going down through spiral tunnels and were in Vancouver for about five days, staying with two of our missionaries who are now working amongst Japanese settlers in British Columbia. While in Vancouver we spoke at three meetings in the interest of the work in Japan. One of the meeting was largely composed of Japanese young people born in Canada, and all speaking English. So there were no language difficulties.

Our departure from Vancouver was delayed a day for some reason which we were not told, and each night we are blacked out as we cross the ocean in our battleship gray liner. However, we are conscious that we are in God’s care and know that he will bring us safely to Japan. There are quite a number of missionaries aboard this ship, and about 20 Catholic priests. Some are going right on to West China to Chungking and Chengdu, to carry on work in the part of China still remaining.

How awful this war is! We do trust that you may be kept safe there in London. It seem that no place is particular can be regarded as absolutely safe. However, I’m sure you realise as we do that when we have committed our all into the Hands of the Lord. He will work out his own purpose in our lives for his glory. We get only a little news on the ship, and even when we get to Japan. I expect we shall have difficulty in getting definite news.

This letter will be posted in Japan, if all is well, and will be a token of a safe arrival. We are about half way across the Pacific now, and hope to be in Japan about the end of the month.

Mary has proved a pretty good sailor on the whole, once she had got her sea legs.

With much love from us both, yours

Eric and Mary.

8/3/42

Colombo
H.M S. Lanka
c/o G.P.O.
London

My dear Alma,

At last I am writing to you, but when you will receive it remains in the lap of the gods. I wonder if there is a letter speeding its way over the seas to me.

We are now nearing the end of the journey for by Wednesday we’ll be in Colombo. It has been a grand trip although on occasions the organisation has been rather poor and we grumbled quite a bit. But to start at the beginning. The first week we just hung about on board waiting for a convoy. It was most annoying not to be able to go ashore. Anyhow we finally go started and as was to be expected I was horribly seasick.
Do you know I lost 7 lbs. in weight. Anyhow the sea gradually calmed down and fun and games began. Life was really grand fun. I played deck tennis and swam and danced every day. The time simply flew. Classes were arranged for those who wanted to learn to swim and dance. I got so far as to try my hand at diving. Gee the bruises I got. I was black and blue from head to foot.

We had rather a nice crowd on board. Each of us had our own party and the number of drink invitations one had were most amusing. Matron instructed us at the beginning of the voyage that we must pay for our own drinks. This proved an awful nuisance and there were many squabbles. The men if they invited us to drink were upset when we produced our purses. In the end Rita Black and I refused to drink at meals. I then had a set invitation for cocktails every evening before dinner. This happened several times and I use to accept if I was allowed to pay. I then included a few of my girl pals into the party and we took it in turns to order the drinks. It was a most satisfactory arrangement. We have been allowed ashore at two ports and had a vary good time. At the first place everyone just made one frantic dive for the shops and spent money right and left regardless of the prices. We had been on board several weeks so it was really grand to be on terra firma again. At the next port we did not go quite so mad with shopping but looked at the native life more. I had had a ride in a rickshaw and a garry. Have you read a Night in Bombay in which the Taj Mahal is mentioned? We had drinks, dinner and lunch in the hotel. It is grand visiting places, which before had only been names to us. Oh by the way, we had to spend a night with some refugees from Singapore. All the hotels were full and the ship was in dry dock. We had a bit of fun over the toilet arrangements, which I’ll relate presently. To come back to our day with the refugees, they had only arrived two days previously and had been boarded out in a former Japanese house, and were using cutlery made in Germany. Poor things. I wish I could write you their descriptions of the fall of Singapore. I fear the censor wouldn’t like it, so I won’t waste either his time or my own. Anyhow we had to sleep in a dormitory. Matron did not like the place and we were recalled to the ship. Then came the trouble of toilets. Remember this ship was in dry dock. The lavatories on board could only be used for one thing & if it were necessary to do anything else it meant a trip down the gangway to the shore to visit a wooden structure labelled “Europeans”. First of all everywhere had to be scrubbed by some of the deck hands with Lysol and then a Naval Rating was put on guard to protect us. We went in threes and the Rating opened the door for us and ushered us in. There were no locks on the doors and no toilet paper. Really it was to funny for words.

In order to complete the journey we have had to re-embark in another vessel. It is smaller but most comfortable. We have travelled first class all the way. Meals are absolutely wonderful and there is plenty of everything. I won’t be cruel and tell you what we have to eat. I should think that by now I have managed to put back all that I lost in weight. The weather has once again become very hot and humid. One’s body is never dry. No sooner has one got out of the bath but it is necessary to start washing again. Fortunately most of the voyage has been very pleasant as regards to weather. There have been a few sticky patches but this is the worst one

There is a smallpox epidemic in Colombo. Consequently yesterday we were all vaccinated. A nice job to look forward to isn’t it.

How is everyone? Do write and tell me all the news. Now no more. I'll be writing again shortly. Much love, Edna.