Aug 30th 1915
My dear Mrs Sladden
I daresay you too may have heard from Cyril but I am writing in case by any chance a letter may have been delayed. He mentions writing from Lemnos soon after he was wounded, to Mr Sladden.
He is getting on well and does not suffer much pain but at the time of writing was unable to use his left arm but could move the fingers:
“The impression I got was the bullet entered at the end of my left shoulder, and a careful examination when I got on the hospital ship showed a small entrance hole just behind the shoulder blade and so really the bullet came out at the end of my shoulder making a larger but not a bad hole. I have not had it X-rayed yet.”
I am so thankful the bullet entered where it did, leaving the spine untouched but it was a near thing.
I want to write to him now so will close. It is a great relief to have heard. When on board everyone fully expected they were en route for England and poor Cyril was frightfully sorry and disappointed at being put ashore at Malta.
Best love to all.
Ever your affectionate
Mela
Cyril was the last officer to be hit except the RAMC doctor and a transport quarter Master who was not under fire really.
