Upper B1 Ward
Katesgrove War Hospital
Reading, Berks.
2/12/17

My Dearest

I was so disappointed yesterday & today when there was no letter, you don't know how I look forward to receiving your dear letter & the day seems absolutely empty when I don't get one.

They don't seem in a very big hurry to get rid of me. Since a week ago yesterday when the doctor marked me for aux., he has not been near me, so I don't know when I will be going.

I suppose I ought to think myself lucky to be staying in hospital all this time, & if only you were in Reading & I could see you every day, I would be quite satisfied to stay here for the duration if they would let me.

But Dearest I am so anxious to get my leave soon, I am longing to see you so much. When I landed here 3 weeks ago I thought that I would be with you by this time, but Dearest, surely I will be coming soon.

It is lovely to think of spending another ten days together, but Dearest this is going to be much more wonderful than last time. Just to know Darling that we will belong to each other absolutely.

Won't it be delightful to go away somewhere, just our own two selves? Dearest I do hope we shall be happy together, I am sure we shall. Dearest I know that you love me, & I love you more than I can ever tell you. My Darling you don't know how precious you are to me, & I will do evereything Dearest to make you happy.

Oh I do wish the beastly war was over & we could make a home of our own right away. I know it will be horrid having to leave you again a few days after we are married, but we have waited such a long time already, & I think it will be much better to be married than to go on as we are doing.

Goodness only knows when the war will be over, but it is bound to come to an end some time & I feel absolutely certain that I shall get through it alright. Then I will come to you for good, & oh My Darling we will have a happy time. I got a letter & parcel from Mother yesterday that had been to France, but I have not received any of your dear letters yet. If they ever reached the Battery it was mean of them not to send them to me, but no doubt they will be coming along in a day or two.

Dearest I do hope I shall hear from you to-morrow, it is four days since I had your last letter & it seems such a long time.

Good-night My Darling & I do hope I shall soon be with you.
Lots & lots & lots of love & xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
from Yours only & forever
Fred