Pte. C.D. Richardson
475465 PPCLI
B.E.F. France, Dec 1, '16.

Dear Mother: -

As I am leaving the base tomorrow to go up the line, I shall scribble a few lines in case I don't have a chance during the next few days until I get settled. I think I told you last time I was here about all that I am allowed to do so I shall just say that during the past 10 days I have been going through the usual training that we always get preparatory to going up to the front. There are many improvements however, that later development in the art or science of warfare have made necessary.

I am very glad to get away to the battalion again for I shall be more settled with those I have been with before. Of course there will be many changes but there is some satisfaction in being able to do something more useful than always training.

I have not had any mail since coming here on Nov 21, so I expect I shall find some letters from home and elsewhere waiting for me farther up.

At present I believe the battalion is in a quiet part of the line. It is wonderful the secrecy that is observed in all movements of various parts of the army though, for not until one actually reaches his unit does he know where it is.

As the Y.M.C.A. where I am writing is just closing I shall have to stop.

I shall write a real letter a little later.

With love to all
Affectionately
Douglas