F15 Scampton Lincs.
Oct 18. 1917.

My dear Fern:

I think it is about your turn now so I am addressing this to you. Just got a letter from the little devil yesterday. He says he is at Cranwell which is just about twenty miles from here. I have not seen him now for nearly two months as I have had no leave in that time and I would be glad to look at even his ugly (censored) face again.

I was sent across to France last Friday, Oct 12. Got as far as the Wing Head Quarters but was turned back there as I had never been inoculated. They had apparently overlooked me here, I came back and finished my time on Spads and was inoculated on Tuesday 16th. Made me feel like a bilious attack and gave me a slightly stiff & sore arm. Dreamt all night that I had a steam roller on top of me, however I feel all right now. Reported at the wing again this morning at 10 A.M. and was told to come back in the afternoon. The wing H.Q. is at an aerodrome at South Carlton just about two miles from here. I stayed there for lunch and tea and then was told to come back here. I am to be inoculated again in a week and will be all ready then to go across. I thought I might as well tell you now that I expected to go across soon as then you would not be quite so surprised as if I had waited until I was actually there. I expect I will be across by the time you receive this If by any chance anything happens that I do not go I would cable you the fact & why.

Wib is quite well now and out of hospital. I hope to meet him in London. I got a note from Staff yesterday saying that he was on leave in L. He expects to leave to-morrow so it is doubtful whether I can see him or not.

I am glad to hear that Dad is thinking of going south again. I hope you will be able to arrange Grannie conveniently so that the two of you will be able to go. I think it would do you a lot of good. If you go to Florida I think the best thing to do would be to go to St. Aug. Ormond, or Miami get a good hotel and stay there. If he decides to go to Bermuda, Jamaica & etc. - well, that is beyond me I'm afraid. I certainly think it would do you both a world of good to go somewhere.

I will be getting to France at just a good time. Ask Dad if he remembers what Stan Beattie said about it. The dud weather is just starting now so there will not be so much flying and I will have a good chance to get on to the ropes before spring.

I wrote to Margaret Simpson the other day thanking her for both pair of sox. Had a long interesting letter from Emmer the other day. Doesn't expect to be a free man much longer.

I have not received your second parcel yet but hope to do so in a week or so as there has only been a very little Canadian Mail lately.

I'm afraid that you are yet quite wrong in your idea of my intentions in Beamsville. Think again, sweet one. Anyway I am afraid that there are those who are taking advantage of my absence! Tis a dirty trick. Don't let any one play it on Max or I would just about sit on you

Ever your loving little bro.

Gord