H.M.S. Widgeon
c/o RNO
Shanghai.
Via Siberia
18th Sept.
Dearest Mother,
I simply really have not had a moment to write any letters for about a fortnight- I expect you have heard all about our Bombardment at Wahnsien and I can’t give you any more news – except that it was a “merry little battle” – & a great tragedy that we lost those officers & men – we did’nt get a single casualty in Widgeon – so all is safe and present – since then I have had a fleet of 5 Gunboats to compete with – masses of reports to write up – & heaven knows what – and I am very weary – but thank goodness the Admiral has arrived up & taken over.
I have had 2 letters from you. 25th July – 1st Aug – and a 16th Aug from Nance – so am fairly up to date – though I never knew Joan & Paddy had an operation – & don’t know what it was – & poor wee kids with whooping cough – but N says they are very cheery in spite of it.
Must send a line to N now – just got a few minutes to spare.
My bestest love to all – & I am quite alright –
from your ever loving son
Paul
Paul Raven
27 June, '19 at 18:17
Really interesting to hear about Pauls time in China. I didn’t know anything about it . Do you know what the operations on Joan and Mum were ? And whooping cough!
Great work. Keep it up.
Paul
Family Letters
10 August, '19 at 00:01
Thank you Paul. And thank you for your help with the project. I assume they had their tonsils out – that seems to have been so common at the time.