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England, 1942, was a year few of us in the regiment will ever forget. It brought so many changes in personnel and the high degree of training we were subjected to. I had mentioned that Duke Laidlaw was given compasionate leave to go home and work the family farm. Well I have not mentioned many particular fellows as it would be not cricket to leave the rest out. Then I temper this with what the hell? It is my story, and my memory so be it!Well Duke knew he was to leave so asked me to go for a 48 hour leave to London with him, So we did. We went to see the Palace, Trafalgar Square, Soho, Piccadilly Circus, and the Parliament buildings, also Westminster Abbey. Sounds pretty dull. Well while Duke went to buy something in a shop I noted a terrific looking girl talking to a young man who was a barrow merchant. I noted she was extremely well dressed complete with nylons, a rarity. I assumed it was the young man's wife so not wanting to stare, turned away and waited for Duke to come out of the shop. The next thing I knew this lady was snuggled up to me, much to my embarassment and was inquiring. " I say, Canada, are you looking for a good time?]" I did not know what to say because I was sure she was the barrowman's wife. Well I stammered no and tried to leave at least a distance between us. All the time I guess I was beet red of face. On looking up I saw Duke standing in the shop doorway just killing himself with laughter. He had assessed what was going on and was leaving me to get out of the situation myself. Which I did ,and I can still hear the laugh of the Picadilly commando ringing in my ears.