Man. Reg. Depot

Shorncliffe Kent

Dear Mother,

Received your very welcome letter of Oct 23rd enclosing photos and the cutting from newspaper of the "Row Contingent".

Well I have just come back from a nice little trip to London, free of cost. I got it through a major who was on his way to Canada and wanted a man to look after his stuff while staying in town. The sergeant major detailled me, so I had two days in London and
a day and a half with the Rows at Croydon. I stayed at the YMCA American Hut on the Strand where I got a good bed for 9 pence and meals for 1 shilling & 3 pence. I met quite a few American soldiers and sailors.

According to that slip you sent me Syd must have gotten his Military Medal alright. I am glad because he has certainly earned it and will recompense him a little for his 26 months in France. From what I hear from some of the boys who went out with Frank and have been over the top with him, he is also shaping up well for a medal as he is a pretty cool customer. Well they can't conscript the Row bunch anyhow.

Evert Govier has gone to France again, also Jimmy Playfair. I met Charlie Strint on the Strand. He tells me that a lot of the Whitewood boys have just left Bramshott for France.

I liked your photos better than I liked your snapshots. That's an awful pretty kid if Mary's.

Well dear give my love to all and let me know who they have conscripted.

Yours with love,

Jack