Sunday Dec 9/17

Bordon Camp

Hants

My darling Mother, Father + Carrie

               This is Sunday morning and as it was raining all night church parade was voluntary and although I need the church, I felt that I needed a talk with you all more. We are kept so busy here that we scarcely get time to sleep let alone time for writing. This school is operated by imperials and believe me darling I can not see how the English Tommy exists on 7 Bob a week. Every parade an inspection. I have only been here a week and have used up enough “silvo” and shoe polish to last an ordinary soldier a month. I think I will find the two months quite enough. So far I have not had very much time for studying but am trying to keep up as they go along.

               The meals here are pretty bad and the most of us feel it necessary to buy one good square a day. I have managed so far but my finances are running pretty low so I think I will have to get you to cable me £5. Since my engagement to Annabelle I have tried my best to get along with the pay here, but it is impossible. I never spend money except for eats, laundry, cleaning, materials, etc. And now that I need a little extra I am as they say out of luck.

               We have men here from all reserves. Canadians, Imperials, South Africans, Australians etc. I have met a few old 18^th men here also a few 33^rd and I feel quite out of place when they start talking about France. But I am not anxious to get there.

               The Canadian mails have been held up for over two weeks now. I supposed the elections have something to do with it.

               We have just heard about the explosion in Halifax Harbor. It was an awful thing and brings the war closer but I hope and pray that London will be clear of all explosions etc.

               Yesterday I went out on a quest for weekly mirrors. We must have walked about 6 miles but at last was rewarded by getting a couple of dilapidated copies which I am sending.

               I am feeling fine and believe me a man has got to be A1 to stand the pace around here.

               Well dears I suppose you are all settled now. Lordy how I would like to be there to-day, but as per, here’s hoping.

               I hope you are all well dears, and not working too hard. I miss my home more + more all the time, it takes an experience like this to make a man appreciate his home.

               Well dears I think I will have to close now as I cannot miss this opportunity to study. Because I, AM, GOING, TO, MAKE, Good, here.

               Now dears do not worry about me here, we are certainly getting all that is coming to us. But while we are here it is a safety job.

               I have not heard from Murray yet but suppose he is pretty busy in London.

               Remember me to all with tons of love,

               Your Loving Son + Brother

                              Bob

P.S. please cable the money as soon as you get this as I cannot afford to send a cable for it.

               Bob

[writing on reverse of page 4]

11 dusters

18 towels

3 Bath towels

14 Aprons

67 Cake Napkins

11 tablecloths

4 sheets