Exiles from the War – Dear Canada

The War Guests Diary of Charlotte Mary Twiss – Guelph, Ontario, 1940

September 25, 1940

I can hardly bear to write this. It is by far the worst thing yet. Today we heard that a ship called the “City of Benares,” which was bringing more british children to Canada, was sunk and a lot of the people drowned. More than eighty children died! It sounded like Jane’s nightmare about being lost on the ship, only it was not a dream. It was real. Every time I remember, I feel sick. I wish I could not see it in my mind.

After Midnight

I think George has enlisted. I am not positive. I didn’t dare stay on the stairs once I heard Mother start to cry.