France

9/4/17

My Dear Alice,

Many thanks for your nice letter which was forwarded from Shorncliffe. I am very glad to hear that Ma's foot is getting right again . She must have had a very bad fall. I hope by the time you get this letter that it will be quite well again. You see I am back in France again. It was nearly a month ago that I landed here. Of course we have had some bad weather but I was very lucky to miss the long winter. The past two days have been very nice. When we crossed this time it was very cold and it was snowing very heavily. I was very glad that it was only a short trip. We stayed the night at the port of landing and we left there the next day on a train journey of 18 hours. Some trip. We were in boxcars 30 men in a car. Rather close quarters. Of course all the boys hung their kits on the side of the car and every once in a while, usually about the time when we were just going to sleep, a haversack or kit bag would go adrift and hit you in the head. Then of course there would be various comments. But on the whole it was not a bad trip. We had lots of fun one way or other. We stayed a while at the base before coming up the line. I am glad to hear that Syd is still quite well and hope he comes through O.K. And he keeps Lily busy writing letters, eh. I quite agree with you about the slackers Alice. Both in Shorncliffe and in Canada, but in Shorncliffe they are cleaning them out now. When I returned to the camp from hospital there were dozens of them who came over at the same time I did. Pat is over here at last. He landed about two weeks ago. He did not get married after all. As you say, he had numerous little troubles in England. Did you take that advice seriously about him. You know Alice, I said I was only fooling in that letter. What makes you think that George Greening has got his discharge? I don't think he was seriously wounded although he was a long time in England after he left hospital. Do you know where H. Houldsworth is now? I think in one of your letter you said he was out here again. I will write as often as I can to you but if I miss the mail sometimes, don't be angry will you. Next time if I get wounded again, I will tell you all about it. I hope we will have that promised talk sometime. I think it will be rather interesting don't you? Your advice was always good but I must confess that I did not always take enough notice of it. In spite of the fact that my little chum has not seen as much as I have, she is a very sensible girl. My address now is 6th Battery, 2nd Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery, >>>>>>>>, France. You see I am back with my old battery again. I did not like going to a strange bunch although there are many new faces here. I should be very glad to hear from you when you have time to write. That was good sum you girls collected for the Red Cross. I hope you have as good results next time. I guess the boys who have returned to Canada have some stories to tell, but there are many which will never be told. I am very sorry to hear that L. Finlays' brother is dead. How is Claric Booth? Do you know? I have no questions to ask you this time, but if you have any I would be pleased to answer them if I can. That debate idea of yours is a rather good one I think. I don't remember getting any cards from you at Christmas or I certainly would have answered them Alice. I guess this is all for now and I must turn in. Give my regards to all at home and Mrs. And Mr. Bird. Tell them I will write to them when I get time but we are rather busy just at present.

Goodnight.

From
Your very sincere
Friend Bob

P.S. Many thanks for all your good wishes.