October 14/18

Same old Place

Dear Mother, Father + Sis

               Some war. To-day I was put on a job as runner for the post office. This includes running messages etc. The only advantage is that we get a good dinner and I will have a better opportunity for writing.

               I am writing this standing up while on the job so you see I am starting off well.

               My arm is coming along fine and only requires a dressing every other day now. I am still doing R.G. and with this other job it keeps me pretty busy. That is keeps my mind occupied.

               There was a Can. Mail in yesterday but as I did not getting any I am expecting some to-day.

               I do not know how long I shall be here and I am not particular how soon they send me out of here as I am sure fed up on the camp, the town and everything in connection with it.

               A person can get the blues quicker by going to Epsom than any place I know of.

               I am sure feeling fine my arm is a little stiff but nothing to mention.

               This is just a note to-day dears but will probably write again to-morrow as I will have the time.

               I am in rather a sorry plight for money. Just at present and there is nothing I hate more than to mention this when I know the hard time and work you are all doing to keep up. But I will just try and explain.

               When I came out of the line I had lost absolutely everything and as you do not draw pay in hospital I had to cable. After I had bought what I needed I had about £1 left and believe me that did not last long. When I arrived in here they gave me £1 and you are supposed to get a pound a month. At present I have a credit balance of $82.00. So you see I have not been drawing even the balance of my $1.10 after signing over the $15.00 home. At present I am worse than broke because I owe 10 shillings.

               The only way I ever spend money is on extra rats and I would sooner have you send money than parcels.

               I expect to go on pass now in a couple of weeks and I may have to cable in the meantime but will not if I can help it.

               I could get money from C. Butler through the pay office but that pride of mine stops me from asking favors from friends.

               I am just letting you know how things stand so that you will not think I am ungrateful and not trying to do my bit for my home as well as for my country.

               Now dears I do not want you to worry about me. I thought you would sooner know so you would not think I was spending money foolishly.

               If you do not receive a cable from me before you get this you can cable me some in case of Mrs. Pickrell.

58 Galton Road

Warley Woods

Nrth Birmingham

They are the friend I met through you at Birmingham and they are lovely people but if I should cable before then do not send this.

               Remember me to all and best love to you all. The news are pretty good lately and it may not be very long before we will be all together again.

               Your loving son + bro

                              Bob

803022