61. Off to Fight for King and Country

F.A.I . had met his woman now and also as he had just met her, he had to leave her to serve his King and Country. What a dreadful wrench that must have been for them both not knowing if they would ever see each other again (as with so many in this unsettled time).

On 16th November 1915 he signed up and joined the Royal Naval Division attached to the 5th Battalion. His home address is noted as the Caledonian Station Hotel, Edinburgh, Civil Employment -Hotel Cook, Religion - C of E, Swim? - No (good choice of career being at sea then!!)
His next of kin he gave as Maud, his sister. He gave her address as McLeod Street, Ottawa, Canada.

He was described as 5 foot 7 ¼ inches tall, Chest I.39” D.36”, Complexion fresh , Colour of hair Light Brown , Colour of Eyes Brown (what happened to the grey eyes whilst he was at sea?)
Along the way he had managed to pick up 3 scars on left wrist (oops vegetable cutting accidents I would expect) and a scar on right shin.

The month before on the 5th October 1915 his brother Arthur St. John had joined up too. He had written to F.A.I. between the 5th October and 16th November.

11th East Surrey Regiment
Shoreham Camp
Shoreham by Sea
Sussex

Dear F
Just a line to say thanks for the cigs which I received this morning was very pleased to hear from you. I am down here in advance out Battalion is still in Colchester.

It is lovely down here we are just between Brighton and Worthing, it is a lovely little place and we are having glorious weather.

We are not sure if our Brigade is coming down here or whether we are going up north.

I hope you are all keeping well, I have not heard from Aunt for about a week or 10 days.

How is the weather up in Edinburgh, I expect it is beginning to get a little cold now.

I wish you were in London for you could and spend a little holiday down here

Ta ta with best wishes
Your affectionate Bro
Arthur

Thanks awfully for cigs