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Date: October 22nd 1916
To
Father
From
Spence
Letter

Witley Camp, England
Oct. 22nd, 1916

Dear Father:

Have arrived here safely as you will see by my card. We had a fine voyage over, was a bit sick last Sunday; it was quite rough. We left the boat at Liverpool last Wednesday and took the train for Witley; a drive of about two hundred miles through the prettiest stretch of country I ever passed. I have seen just as pretty country, but not such a long stretch. They certainly have queer railroads and trains; little short cars divided into sections into which they put eight of us. I don't like them nearly as well as ours, but the trains travel much faster, the roads are so much better. We landed off the train at Milford Station and walked about two miles. As soon as I got to camp I met Ervin McCurdy and Walter Murphy (Alps son). I was glad to see Ervin. It is a pretty good camp, but not as good as the one we had in Hfx. as we expected. It is rather monotous getting used to the English money, but I guess we will learn it after while. Some things are cheaper and some things dearer than in Can. Take it all around though things are dearer here. it stands to reason they should be. You don't see many young boys sitting around doing nothing; go into the stores and Y.M.C.A and places like that and you will see the woman doing the work. The first parade we have had was this morning; we had church parade we heard before we got far into the ocean (picked up by cable) this it was reported that we were sunk; did you? I suppose it scared you a bit.

We are getting passes this week; Mauro Harry and I are going (up to naughty London). And see the village. I don't imagine their will be much to see, but might as well have a look at it; Ralph was down last night; it's only thirty-two miles from here.

How is everything at home these days. Sade is getting married isn't she. Anything you think would be nice het for her with that check. Well I think this all for this time.

Love to all Aff son Spence.

(My Address)
No 222676 Cpt. D. Spencer Reid,
85th Battalion, Canadian Infantry,
12th Training Brigade, Canadian Infantry
Witley Camp. South,
Witley, Surrey, England

P.S. Have you got an envelope big enough for that.

Original Scans

Original Scans