Upper B1 Ward
Katesgrove War Hospital (No 5)
Reading
20/11/17

My Dearest

How delighted I was to receive your precious letter this morning. I feel so happy Dearest now that I know we are going to belong absolutely to each other very soon. I wish I knew how soon I can come, the doctor told me yesterday that I shall be able to leave here in about ten days. Then I ought to get leave soon after arriving at the Can. Depot, so we won't have much longer to wait Dearest. It is a pity though that we cannot definitely arrange a date.

I guess we will have to do all the arranging in a mighty big hurry. I did not mention it to Mother yet, but am writing to-day. I thought I would wait until I received your letter.

What does your Mother say about it Dearest? Do you think she will be quite agreeable?

Your suggestion of going to Ilkley would be lovely, I do not know of any other place where I would rather go. But Dearest, so long as I am with you it does not make much difference where we are.

It is too bad I shall only be able to come for a few days, Oh I wish the war would finish soon, so that I should not have to go back.

Or if I could get a job somewhere in England it would be alright. I wish I knew someone in the Record Office in London, then I might be able to get in there.

Anyhow I shall try to stay on this side of the Channel as long as possible, I just hate the thought of going back to France.

Our Paymaster has not been to visit us yet, so I have not been able to get much information, but I am sure to obtain permission from the O.C. of the Depot.

Dearest I feel as though I will not have patience to wait, I want to come to you right now.

I wish Reading hospital was near Doncaster, then you could come & see me sometimes. There is a lot to say Dearest but I don't seem as if I could put it in a letter, but will write again soon.

I do hope you are quite well. Oh I am longing to see you.

Bye-bye Dearest for the present
Lots & lots & lots of love & xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
from Yours only & forever
Fred