France 19.12.17 Dear Mother. Thanks for parcel no.2 which I received a few days ago. I enjoyed the loaf of bread & the dip very much. Next time you send a parcel I should like a pair of socks. We have got real Canadian weather out here now. On the night of the 16th it snowed like blazes about 10". We came out from the line that morning which was fortunate for us as the transport system is somewhat disorganised, lorries are stuck in the snow drifts & horses cannot hold their feet on the slippery roads. I see that questions have been as keen in the house about the Cambrai affair. It is certain that a colossal blunder was made somewhere. Our people were taken completely by surprise, the Boche making terrific captures. Artillery was captured from the rear whilst firing in the opposite direction before they realised that anything unusual had happened. When we got up there there was absolutely nobody holding the line at all. We recorded our votes for the Dominion Election about a week ago. I think there will be no doubt that the government will put it off all right with the help of the soldier's vote. I don't suppose we shall hear the result for some time. Thanks Dad for sending me the watch: there was nothing to say how much it cost but perhaps I shall hear later. Sgt. Grier is at present on leave to Paris. Would you kindly send me a tin of cough lozenges. I got a little bit of a cold whilst up the line. With much love to Baby & Dad & to yourself Cuthbert