Oct. 21st 1941

Dear Mom,

Well I expect you will be very surprised to hear that I am still kicking my heels here in hospital! But please do not worry too much. I expect to be discharged this week, but cannot say anything for sure. I have given up trying to prophesy because I been disappointed so often lately that I have decided it is better not to raise my hopes too high and then I cannot be disappointed.

Do you remember I mentioned how I met Joy and her mother and how they have been so very good to me, taking me out and doing everything they can to relieve the boredom? They took me out again yesterday. We went to the show over at Marlow and saw Jimmy Stewart and Hedy Lemarr in "Come Live With Me!" It was ever so good and we enjoyed it immensely. We had to come out before the second picture was finished because we wanted to have some tea. I wish I had stayed to find out who committed the murder. Joy and I were speculating over the phone this morning. I'm sure if the operator was listening she must have thought we were crazy or plotting a crime or two ourselves. I am going to be rather sorry to have to go away and leave them because I have enjoyed their company very much - especially Joy's. She is so jolly and unspoiled...extremely beautiful too. Golden hair and baby blue eyes, but that is one of the hazards of life in the Army. You always have to give up your friends all the time. I haven't heard from Mrs. Bernard for over two months. It is probably just as well I am moving away from here for I am afraid if I stayed, I would fall in love with her and that would be disastrous for me. This - of course, is for your private ear alone. It would never be possible that we could get along together - so I am glad I am going away. I have thought it all out and that is best I think. I have promised to write but I don't think I had better. It is best to do it all at once and get it over with... don't you think so?

I am sorry to hear of Stanley's difficulties. I can't understand how such a thing could happen. I never had any trouble that way myself. But I am rather glad too because it will perhaps teach him better than any words can do that he must look after his money...keep track of every cent he spends, either in his mind or if he can't trust his memory, write it down. I wonder does he always carry a notebook and pencil with him...since I came overseas, I have found that it is a very valuable thing to have. Another is to always carry a full packet of cigarettes and matches. Nothing helps break up the ice among people than the offer of a cigarette, especially now that rationing has cut down the supplies so. I never smoke myself but I find that nine out of ten people do, especially at night.

Many thanks for the snapshot of Burt. He is certainly growing up fast - isn't he? But do you think you could send me some good pictures of the rest of you? Do you know that I haven't one picture of my family? I know you have some of me and I will send you some more as soon as I get out and can get them taken.

I had a letter from Beth Henderson yesterday. They seem to have more or less adopted themselves to their mother's absence: although of course, they miss her terribly.

I was supposed to vote in the BC elections about a week ago but I had a date witrh Joy and so I missed them, I guess it doesn't very much matter anyway. I expect Sheppard got in for our constituency; he always does - doesn't he?

I got a parcel of books from a girl friend of mine in London so I have plenty of reading material on hand... too much! I'll have to leave some of it behind when I go away. She works in the Admiralty. I have never met her but Mrs. Sayers who gave her my address says she is extremely nice and from her letter she seems to be, I am looking forward to seeing her when I go up there on leave as I expect to do as soon as I get out of here.

Well I guess there is nothing more to say for this time. I look forward to your next letter as always -

Your loving son,

Jim