Seaford
291494 A. Co.
19th Reserve Batt'n C.E.F.
Army Post Office
London
Feb 26/17

My Dear Betty:-

Still at Seaford, but I think we are moving next Sunday (March 4th) to Bramshot Camp Surrey, near Aldershot no word yet of going to France, though I don't think they will keep me here much longer - it looks as though the big drive is commencing, we have had some of the 222nd boys killed & wounded - but you will probably get more news of them than we do here you might cut out any of the names in the casualty lists that you come across, as the Canadian lists are not published here.

Well dear, I am feeling very very homesick for you and the kiddies. I would give a great deal to have the war over & be back with you in the little cottage once more, the trouble is one does not really know how long it is likely to last - we can only hope & hope that it is over soon - soon. However we can only do as the song so wisely & philosophically put it,
"What's the use of worrying! It never was worth while,
Pack all your troubles in you old kit bag;
And smile - smile - smile."
Its pretty hard however to smile sometimes.

By the time you receive this you will have your winter pretty well over & I am sure you will be glad too - its hard on the children & it means so much more work for you in the winter you must not neglect getting in your next winter's fuel wood & coal. I don't suppose I'll be home in time to get it in [?]. Mother will have had her operation [?] this, I hope she is better did Ruby get her visit in. I wish I could write longer letters - but there is so little time & when one gets in, in the evening we feel so tired - then again it just makes me homesick & lonely to write & I don't want to bother you with all my little troubles. I hope they let me go to France soon. Remember me to Gunn's. I had a parcel from Emerson Miss Hilda Rets packed it, contents, 1 towel, 1 pair socks, 1 box cream crackers, 1 tin of pork & beans, 1 small glass of honey, 1 package of seedless raisins, 1 cake of real bar soap, Wrigley's spearmint, 1 packet of tobacco, + 2 small candles - pretty good parcel [?], it came in good order & cost $1 to send. Well my dear I must say goodbye again kiss Shirley & Billy for Daddy with lots & lots of love & kises for yourself dear Betty God Bless & keep you

Yours lovingly
Daddy

Betty XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Shirley XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Billy XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX