March 9, 1918 - Don Martin crosses the English Channel

Don Martin diary entry for Saturday, March 9, 1918:

Left Southampton for France

Got up at 10:30 this morning and finished packing. Went to the office. Old Baird, bonehead though faithful, came to the train to see me off. Ben Russell also spent the last hour in London with me. He is a very fine sort. I got a porter from the Savoy to put me on the train.

Am on the Channel boat “Hantonia” – 8 p.m. waiting to start across the Channel to France. Travelling is not easy. Arriving at Southampton at 6 p.m. had to go through a regular gamut of officials. It certainly wouldn’t be easy to get through if one were trying to conceal something.

Southhampton, England

It is a perfect night but the channel has a bad reputation. Tomorrow’s entry will show whether I have broken any record of immunity from seasickness... This is a small boat and is filled. No one seems worried about submarines.

Weather perfect.

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