June 23, 1918

Dear Lola,

Just a few lines to let you know I have just received your most welcome parcel, which I can assure you, was devoured with the greatest of pleasure. The home-made candy was simply fine! for as you may surmise, such a thing as candy in England these days is these days is nothing short of a luxury & a piece of good old candy all the way from Canada, is always welcomed here at Seaford, by any of us here.

Well Lola, I note that the Canadian papers that Canada is now witnessing some of the battle hardships that England has had to endure during these last three periods of war in the way of sugar shortage also the shortage of sweet meats of all descriptions & I am afraid this will be a sad blow to our girl friends in Canada.

Don't you think it will be awful to have to lose your little box of choc's on Saturday & Sunday? Why it will be almost a crime to some of our little "Canadian flappers" but "Cheerio" I feel sure that they will be able to lose even that old box of choc's to help win the war.

Now Lola I am awfully sorry to disappoint all my friends at home in regards to my furlough to Canada.

I am sorry I have you that impression that I would be able to manage a three months leave to Canada but when I landed here in England & the government started to send the accessed men of the first contingent home on leave I naturally thought our single fellows would have a chance next in fact the government gave us to understand that we would all have leaves eventually. But it seems that the wearied men that were fortunate in getting leave violated the privilege by trying to get their discharge whilst in Canada & gave the Canadian government so such trouble that they decided to stop issuing passes (& "alas" I am the most unfortunate being alive).

But altho I would sincerely love to return home even for a short leave. I cannot quibble for I suppose there are some poor chaps in a worse way, than myself in fact. I consider myself a very fortunate fellow today, having my health & strength & that is a whole lot more than a good many fellows have even today.

Well you will know doubt be surprised to learn that I am now leaving for France once again & I am expecting to be called out for draft any day now. But "we must pack all our troubles in our old kit bag & smile" & that is just what I am trying to do.

Oh boy Lola would you please tell Dad that that I received that parcel that you sent to my brother Will, & I was very much obliged for same.

Now I sincerely hope all your folks at home are enjoying the very best of good health & give my kindest regards to all now I must conclude trusting you will be able to understand this awful scribble for I am really getting worse.

I close Remaining
As ever Sincerely
Jack