The SS Saturnia did not carry on specific battalion back to Canada. It carried a mix of men from various units , many of whom , like Robert had been wounded and separated from their original battalions. Sadly for Robert he missed the big party when the 1st Canadian Infantry Battalion he had fought with returned to London in April. Robert makes the best of it though. And he is lucky once more. The Saturnia terminated its voyage in Montreal on about May 22nd. Coincidentally the 18th Battalion which was also raised in London Ontario is returning home at this time. They had landed in Halifax and were now making there way to Ontario by train. Corporal Dixon joins them in Montreal. Both he and the 18th Battalion are scheduled to arrive in London on May 23rd. The city of London Ontario was excitedly awaiting their arrival.
. And Deborah and her son William. now three years and ten months old. are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their husband and father. They hadn’t seen each other since Robert left to war in March 1916 3 years and 2 months ago. Deborah was excited and nervous. The two had now been separated a long time , maybe even for longer than they had known each other before the war. Both had changed in those three years. Deborah had grown into her role as a mother. Robert had survived the horrors of a gruesome war physically well, but she didn’t know how he would be mentally. She had seen first hand what her sister Isabella had gone through with Gordon. Robert had never been a real father. How was he going to adjust to having a son? A son who would have no memory of him at all.. And a son who was already becoming his own walking talking thinking person. How would this all go? They would just have to take it day by day. It would take time for Robert to integrate back into normal society. The three meet on the platform at grand depot in London Ontario. Deborah looks as beautiful as ever. Robert hugged and kissed her.
Deborah introduces Robert to his almost 4 year old son William. And William finally meets his Daddy. William saw his Daddy for the first time since he was 5 months old. Robert then makes one final stop at Depot one – the Wolseley Barracks – where his journey to the Great War had begun. He is Struck off Strength the Canadian Army and is Taken on Strength his wife and son – his Canadian family.
