11/11/18
My dear Father
This historic day I find it a special pleasure to write and share in the great rejoicing which is going on amongst us all. I was so thankful that in the evening years of your life you have seen this great triumph, so great that very few can have believed it possible till quite lately. Our gratitude to the men who have fallen would have been great in any case, but to know that the sacrifices have not been in vain adds immeasurably to our joy today. I hope and believe that we Allies shall use our present authority wisely for the future peace of the world. Stern punishment first, then that accomplished and security attained, a just attitude towards all peoples who wish to live in equity.
Today, I'm sure the church bells over all the land have been ringing. I think to hear them just now might be almost overpowering. I can thank God this long exile has not been in vain. There have been times in the last 4¼ years when it has been hard to see how victory could come, especially in this complete shape, and though one never somehow envisaged defeat, yet the prospect of a drawn battle with such an enemy was depressing enough. Not the least feature of this great time is the obvious and enormous share which our country has in the Victory, acknowledged in the most handsome way by all our Allies and in a practical way apparently by the decision to regard our record on the sea as a guarantee to mankind that the finest safeguard of the Freedom of the seas is the British Navy.
I hope the period of demobilisation and reconstruction will pass smoothly and without too much petty criticism to hamper those responsible. I fancy that my own return should come in the early months of next year, if not before, but at the moment have no knowledge. If for any reason a final return is delayed, I shall try at least to get back for leave, and to look round and decide my future work.
I hope soon you'll have a chance of seeing both the other boys, and at the earliest possible date we must have a great reunion.
Mary will be overjoyed and invigorated at this ending of a long suspense and time of loneliness. I wonder if little Dorothy Mary is now old enough to carry in her memory these great events. Your father, I believe, was old enough to remember Waterloo, wasn't he?
I wrote to Juliet a day or two ago for her birthday when the Armistice was clearly foreshadowed. I'm sure you will all find the gathering at Bath Road a particularly happy occasion.
Hoping you are all well and that the epidemic has abated and left you all unharmed.
Much love to you all at home.
Your affectionate son
Arthur
