Lydd, Kent. Nov. 21st 1916

From Lieut. Col F. Minden Cole OC Canadian Brigade Siege Artillery Lydd, Kent.

To 2/Lieut F. C. Swannell 1006 Government St Victoria, BC.

Dear Mr Swannell:

Your letter of the 29th ult. with enclosures reached me today.

I regret to say that conditions have changed very much since I saw you in London. The RGH. is so short of subalterns for new Siege Batteries, that they have attached 7 or 8 Canadian Siege Officers to Imperial Batteries going Oversea shortly, and are loath to let them return to our Canadian Siege Depot. I am of opinion therefore that the War Office will not consider your transfer owing to the shortage I have referred to

There are now nearly 300 Siege Batteries, the last to leave

BC Archives, MS-0392 Box 1 Volume 5 / FRANK SWANNELL PAPERS, Diary and enclosures, 1916.